The radiant light, unhindered and inconceivable, eradicates suffering and brings realization of joy; the excellent Name, perfectly embodying all practices, eliminates obstacles and dispels doubt. This is the teaching and practice for our latter age; devote yourself solely to it. It is eye and limb in this defiled world; do not fail to endeavor in it. Accepting and living the supreme, universal Vow, then, abandon the defiled and aspire for the pure. Reverently embracing the Tathagata's teaching, respond in gratitude to his benevolence and be thankful for his compassion.

~ Shinran Shonin, Passages on the Pure Land Way

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Miscellaneous Verses

If you try to resolve your doubts
Through your own power,
You will find they pop up
Again and again,
Like mushrooms after the rain.
But if you rely on the Buddha's power,
You will find your doubts naturally dissolve
Like mist before the sun.

Such is the understanding
Not based on human calculation,
The thoughts and opinions
Of the unenlightened.
It is the diamond-like assurance
Of the Buddha's True Mind.
We call this True Mind,
"Joyful Faith" (shingyo)

After a lifetime spent
Listening to the Dharma,
What does one hear?
Only the call of the Primal Vow,
Namo Amida Butsu.

Reading books
And piling up knowledge
Is not the Buddhist path.

Though others may speak
Of how fine the water is,
You cannot know this yourself
Unless you dive in.

Plunge into the Buddha-Dharma!
Immerse yourself in the true Wisdom!
Unless you are willing to undergo
The flames of Samsara
In order to hear
The Tathagata's Name,
This life, too, will pass by
To no purpose.

Finding myself lost and alone,
Far from shore,
The waves of blind passions
Swept over me.
All hope of rescue gone --
Then I heard the calling voice:
"I am here for your rescue!"

How can this be?
I never petitioned the Buddha's appearance,
Yet there he is.

Spiritual relief comes
At the sound of Amida's Voice,
"Do not be afraid!
I will not leave you behind.
Unless you too are free,
How can I possibly enjoy
The bliss of Nirvana?"

The Tathagata's salvation
Is the wonderful world
Of the inconceivable Wisdom
Of the incomprehensible Light
Lying beyond all thoughts
Of foolish beings.

What is the way to true liberation?
Only Faith.
What kind of Faith?
The Faith that arises spontaneously
At the sound of His Call.